Cultural Preservation Through Community-led Development in Seattle: Community Engagement for Little Saigon’s Vietnamese Cultural and Economic Center

Abstract

In September 2023, Friends of Little Saigon (FLS) purchased land in Seattle for a new mixed-use development called the Landmark Project, which will accommodate 71 units of affordable housing above a Vietnamese Cultural and Economic Center (VCEC). Mixed-use cultural centers are important “third places” to strengthen a sense of place attachment, social cohesion, and community participation — all of which are social determinants of health. This capstone project engaged community members to inform programming, physical space designs, and aesthetics of the VCEC through four methods: (1) an online survey, (2) interviews with small business owners, (3) an interactive feedback board, and (4) a World Café-style community meeting. Across all methods, community members expressed interest in food-related events, pop-up markets, art gatherings, cultural celebrations, classes, and intergenerational activities. In terms of ambience, community members were clear about their desire for a balance between traditional and modern elements to appeal to the Vietnamese diaspora. These findings will guide the development of the VCEC to ensure that programming and physical design align with community needs.